MEAT MONOPOLISTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 322, 8 October 1908, Page 5

MEAT MONOPOLISTS.

THEIR DESIGNS ON-NEW ZEALAND. For a considerable time largo American, meat companies that have developed an immense and' extended trade in , chilled beef (says Mr.' H. C. Cameron, London Produce Commissioner) have been increasing 'the supply to their regular customers, of New Zealand mutton, and so have helped in its distribution. For many years it has bccil the desiro, I know, of some of these keen traders to have Now Zealand mutton associated and retailed with their chilled beef, which has now a deservedly high repute,' and with this object their agents have made purchases of the mutton on behalf of their clients. It has been rumoured on more than one occasion that North American meat companies have endeavoured to get a footing ,in New Zealand in order to secure regular supplies; but it would appear that thc.v . havo been unsuccessful in their efforts. That they havo been determined to securo mutton supplies, however, is evident, for Messrs. Swift., one of tho strongest and most energetic of these companies, havo acquired tho La Plata Frcczing works in tho Argentine, and havo commenced tho importation of River Plate mutton ou their own account for tho supply of their retail customers. This firm has now distributing depots in all the chief centres of tho country, and if tho example set is followed by tho other North American meat companies, it is apparent that such competition in the mutton market will bo established as must reflect very detrimentally on tho New Zealand trade. '